For the first time in three years, the Packers are going into the state tournament as the No. 1 seed from the east.

“We’re excited to make it to state,” head coach Greg Limke said. “That was our goal from the start.”

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West Fargo won three close games against Fargo South, Grand Forks-Red River and Fargo Davies last week to earn the Eastern Dakota Conference Championship.

On Tuesday, the boys – who were ranked fourth in the EDC entering the playoffs – got 20 points from junior forward Travis Schock and 14 from senior center Derek Hogenson in a 55-51 victory over the Bruins.

Friday night, the Packers had a tall order in facing conference-leading Red River, but 20 points off Roughrider turnovers enabled them to earn a 59-58 upset victory.

“There was a lot riding on this game,” Limke said. “I’m really proud of how the guys responded.”

Saturday’s matchup against Davies saw a cold-shooting first half from the Packers, but the team bounced back thanks largely to Justin Heisler’s 19 points.

“We didn’t start very well at all,” Limke said, “but we were able to battle back late in the first and keep hope alive.”

The North Dakota State Basktaball Tournament begins tomorrow at the Bismarck Civic Center.

“We have to build on last week, limit our mistakes and get tough on boards,” Limke said. “Those are keys to any game, but particularly come tournament time.”